Relief came when the maid explained where her bags were. She followed Betsy along the way and then all of a sudden, there was the curly-haired man. Awake and looking worse for the wear, she thought. He was asking questions about her, and then to her. "I don't rightly know, sir... Me ma and pa won't be pleased when they see me or me giant belly." In fact, she could cry right then and there as she had been doing ever since Phillip left her. That cad.

Her breath hitched as if she were about to let loose, but she seemed to catch herself and stiffen, determined not to make a fool of herself. And then she remembered he was her better, so she dipped a slight curtsy. "I am Ruth, me lord," she said, introducing herself even though she wasn't asked.